School To Work Initiatives
The Department of Education recently released the results of an evaluation of their funded School To Work initiatives, one component of its school reform program...
Links
The Department of Education recently released the results of an evaluation of their funded School To Work initiatives, one component of its school reform program. The full document can be viewed at the above site. It includes case studies and identification of key elements of effective programs. Briefly, the key elements were: support at the top level of school structures; capable leadership from the program director; professional development; partnerships with relevant community groups; student self-determination; real-life context built into the curriculum; work-based learning strategies; integrated school guidance and career planning; beginning school-to-work programs prior to middle and high school and post-secondary followup; creative financing; and use of appropriate research to guide program development.
See Also
Annotation
These findings resemble others in this collection in that effective programs for school reform are based on appropriately authentic curriculum, integrated fully into a school program and articulated across grade levels, dependent upon adequate supports to accomplish program goals and inclusive of all appropriate constituents. Such conclusions would seem obvious except that they do not characterize most similar efforts.
